Plans to create 5,000 modern prison places in Wales

March 22, 2017

Prisons Minister Sam Gyimah has today unveiled plans for the building of a new prison in South Wales – creating hundreds of modern prison places and replacing old and overcrowded establishments with new, fit for purpose buildings.

Port Talbot has been earmarked for a new development as part of the Government’s commitment to build up to 10,000 modern prison places by 2020, backed by £1.3bn to transform the estate.

As well as creating a modern establishments fit for the twenty-first century, the proposed new build will also act as a boost to the Welsh economy – creating hundreds of jobs in the construction and manufacturing industries, and generating countless opportunities for thriving community businesses.

Prison’s Minister Sam Gyimah said:

”We cannot hope to reduce reoffending until we build prisons that are places of reform where hard-work and self-improvement flourish.

Outdated prisons, with dark corridors and cramped conditions, will not help offenders turn their back on crime – nor do they provide our professional and dedicated prison officers with the right tools or environment to do their job effectively.

This significant building programme will not only help create a modern prison estate where wholescale reform can truly take root, but will also provide a thriving, economic lifeline for the local community – creating hundreds of jobs for local people and maximising opportunities for businesses.”